Vandals strike Metro-East charity causing thousands in damage

(KMOV) – The office of an East St. Louis organization that works with foster children was vandalized, causing about $10,000 worth of damage.

This incident marks the fourth time in two years that the Children’s Home and Aid office has fallen victim to vandals. In the past, it’s had copper stolen twice, and this time, vandals caused significant damage to equipment, walls and file cabinets.

Late last month, vandals broke into a front office window overnight and took what appears to be a hammer and smashed printers, a file cabinet and even ripped alarm sensors from the walls.

Aside from a small amount of cash, nothing was stolen.

The organization says it’s fortunate it didn’t have to shut down operations because of the break-in.